Description
Book SynopsisA range of perspectives and data on pastoral abuse, investigating sexual and financial misconduct, and political and personal abuse of authority. Rather than focusing on individuals, it investigates whether the foundation for malfeasance is inherent in religious organizations themselves.
Trade Review"This book is extremely valuable. Shupe et al. have done an excellent job...highly recommended; it is a must-read." * Criminal Justice Review *
"Goes far beyond the ‘bad apple' theory of clergy malfeasance. In this book sensitive, tough-minded sociologists ask why notorious predators have been able to exploit religious institutions and use them to cover up their violations. The clear-headed contributors not only communicate effectively with a wide audience, but also bring years of hard-won experience and training to help the rest of us understand how the misuse of clergy power arose and operates. Institutions that train professionalsseminaries, law schools, medical schools, academic centerscould profit considerably from the wisdom and implied recommendations found in these weighty chapters." -- J. E. Barnhart,author of The Study of Religion and Its Meaning
"Bad Pastors raises all the good questions and provides many hypothetical answers, and for these reasons alone it should be read by all sociologists of religion with an interest in wrongdoings." * Sociology of Religion *
